As uncomfortable as having a cough may be, it remains one of the body’s best defense systems. Show
By coughing, your body does its part to force out irritants and prevent infections of the respiratory tract. In many cases, a cough also resolves on its own within three weeks. The best cough medicine depends on what type of cough you have. Knowing the cause of your cough and which medicines are available can help determine which cough medicine is right for you. Which Cough Medicine Is Best?OTC medications may be the best and quickest way to get your cough under control. However, it’s important to select the right type of medicine and that depends on what is causing your cough. Wet productive coughUse medicine with an expectorant that contains the active ingredient guaifenesin will help you get rid of the mucus. Dry coughUse medicine with an antitussive with the active ingredient dextromethorphan will help suppress your need to cough so you can get some rest. Allergy coughUse a cough medicine that is an antihistamine as that can help dry up your congestions. Sinus congestion or postnasal dripUse a decongestant with the active ingredient pseudoephedrine is your best option. Ingredient importanceSome medications have a combination of active ingredients to tackle several symptoms at once. Use caution when using these medications so that you don’t get too much of one ingredient. For example, acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is also a common ingredient in some OTC cough and cold medications. Too much acetaminophen causes liver damage. Read the active drug list on the label of your medications to be sure you don’t double up. Have a cough? Chat with a medical provider using K Health. Get started Different Types of Cough MedicineBroadly, there are five types of medicines that can be used when you have a cough:
Over-the-Counter OptionsOver-the-counter cough (OTC) medicine typically falls into either the expectorant or suppressant categories. Here are some of the common OTC cough medicine ingredients available:
Keep in mind that the FDA doesn’t recommend OTC medicines for cough and cold symptoms in children younger than two years old. Some sources don’t even recommend cough medications for children younger than four years of age. If you choose to use honey (which has been shown to be as effective as dextromethorphan) as a cough suppressant instead of OTC medications, beware not to give it to children under the age of one due to the potential risk of botulism. Zarbees and Manuka honey are two brands of honey supplements that work well against a cough. Prescription Cough Medicine OptionsPrescription cough medicines can contain stronger ingredients than those available OTC. Here are some of the ingredients used in prescription cough medicine:
Potential Side Effects of Cough MedicineMedical experts are divided on whether or not cough medicines actually work. If you decide to start taking an OTC or prescription cough medicine, it’s important to speak with a health provider first about the possible side effects. You can always try a spoonful of honey first to possibly avoid the use of cough medicines. Possible side effects of cough medicine use include:
In rare cases, more severe side effects can include:
Before taking OTC or prescription cough medicine, it’s important to read the labels carefully and follow the instructions exactly as given. What Causes a Cough?A cough is often caused by a viral infection, like the cold or flu. But there are additional possible causes, depending on whether you’re experiencing an acute cough (short-term) or a chronic cough (lasting longer than eight weeks): Acute Cough Causes
Chronic Cough Causes
Have a cough? Chat with a medical provider using K Health. Get started When to See a Medical ProviderIf it’s your first time taking cough medicine, it’s a good idea to speak with a health care professional to determine which medication, if any, is right for you—especially if you’re looking for the right option for your child or teenager. Not all cough medicines are right for young children, while research shows teenagers are most likely to abuse cough medicine (particularly those containing dextromethorphan or codeine). How K Health Can HelpDid you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app?Download K to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data Is there a cough medicine that actually works? Evidence is mixed on whether or not cough medicine works to prevent or suppress a cough. In fact, it might be worthwhile to try a spoonful of honey first. If you’re unsure, speak with your provider to see if there’s a medicine that’s right for you. What will stop a cough instantly? There are no known cough medicines shown to stop a cough instantly. In order to best stop a cough (or know when it will go away on it’s own), it is important to figure out what the cause of the cough is. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. What can I take for a severe cough and congestion?Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that affects a certain part of the brain (cough center), reducing the urge to cough.
What is the most effective medicine for cough?Cough Suppressants. What is a good decongestant and cough suppressant?Some of the more popular OTC, fast treatments for a cough include:. Pseudoephedrine: An OTC medicine that relieves nasal congestion. ... . Guaifenesin: Often known by its brand name Mucinex (Mucinex coupons | What is Mucinex?), guaifenesin is the only OTC expectorant available to help relieve symptoms from colds.. How do I stop a decongest cough?Consider the following steps to help eliminate excess mucus and phlegm:. Keep the air moist. ... . Drink plenty of fluids. ... . Apply a warm, wet washcloth to the face. ... . Keep the head elevated. ... . Do not suppress a cough. ... . Discreetly get rid of phlegm. ... . Use a saline nasal spray or rinse. ... . Gargle with salt water.. |